Frequently Asked Questions

An N95 respirator and a surgical mask have different purposes and provide different levels of protection. An N95 respirator is NIOSH-approved to filter at least 95% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger, and it forms a tight seal around the nose and mouth. Its close-fitting face protects the wearer and provides highly efficient filtration of airborne particles.

A surgical mask is looser-fitting and mainly protects patients and the surrounding area from the wearer's respiratory droplets and contaminants in the immediate environment. Our surgical mask has FDA 510(k) clearance (K211984) and meets ASTM Level 3 standards for fluid resistance and bacterial filtration, but it does not provide the same tight seal as an N95 respirator.

All MASC masks and respirators are designed as single-use disposable products. For optimal protection, replace your mask or respirator after each use, or when it becomes damaged, soiled, wet, or difficult to breathe through. Follow your facility's infection control guidelines for specific usage protocols in healthcare and industrial settings.

Our N95 respirators use a 4-layer construction featuring electrostatically charged meltblown polypropylene as the primary filtration layer. This advanced material captures particles through both mechanical filtration and electrostatic attraction, delivering at least 95% filtration efficiency while maintaining up to 50% greater breathability than minimum NIOSH requirements. Our surgical masks and procedure masks use a 3-layer design with a meltblown filtration layer sandwiched between non-woven outer layers, achieving a bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of 98% or greater.

Our N95 respirators are available in a standard adult size designed to fit most adult faces with adjustable headband straps for a secure seal. Our surgical masks and earloop masks come in a standard adult size. We also offer a dedicated kids face mask designed specifically for smaller faces with appropriately sized earloops. If you need specific sizing for bulk or OEM orders, contact our team to discuss custom options.

The MASC 1+3 Go Kit is a convenient portable protection package that includes 1 white flat fold mask plus 3 earloop masks in a compact, travel-ready package. It is designed for on-the-go use, providing a mix of mask styles in a single easy-to-carry kit that fits in a bag, purse, or glove compartment.

NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) is the federal agency that tests and certifies respiratory protective devices. A NIOSH-approved N95 respirator has been independently tested and verified to filter at least 95% of non-oil-based airborne particles 0.3 microns or larger. Our N95 respirator carries NIOSH approval number TC-84A-9515, meaning it has passed all required tests for filtration efficiency, breathing resistance, and quality of construction. Visit our Certifications page for more details.

FDA 510(k) is a premarket notification process through which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviews medical devices before they can be legally marketed. A 510(k) clearance means the FDA has determined that the device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed predicate device in terms of safety and effectiveness. Our Blue 3-Layer Tie-On Surgical Mask has received 510(k) clearance (K211984), confirming it is safe and effective for use as a surgical mask in medical settings. Learn more on our Certifications page.

ASTM F2100-19 is the standard that defines performance requirements for medical face masks. Level 3 is the highest performance tier, requiring the greatest levels of bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE ≥98%), particulate filtration efficiency (PFE ≥98%), fluid resistance (at 160 mmHg, the highest pressure level), and breathability. ASTM Level 3 masks are recommended for procedures with a higher risk of fluid exposure. Our surgical masks and earloop procedure masks meet ASTM Level 3 standards. See our Certifications page for full details.